Away from London

“I think that’s an absolute disgrace and an insult to children whether they live in disadvantaged communities or households. I will only allow schools to let children, teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it’s safe to do so. This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics, it’s got everything to do with the safety of children,” Anderson told Sky News.

“No clear information was provided on what modelling has been undertaken in relation to potential transmission rates when schools open more widely. Nothing in the meeting provided reassurance for the deeply worried and anxious school workforce.

“We are continuing to press for answers to these questions and also for clear guidance from government to schools to ensure that they take appropriate and reasonable steps to assess and mitigate the health and safety risks posed by Covid-19.”